State Castle Bečov

Bečov nad Teplou, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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State Castle Bečov, located in Bečov nad Teplou in the Czech Republic, began as a Gothic fortress in the early 14th century, founded by the Lords of Osek.

The castle complex evolved through Renaissance and Baroque periods, incorporating various architectural styles, including a notable chapel with 14th-century wall paintings and a large residential keep. It changed ownership several times and underwent expansions, including Renaissance renovations and Baroque additions such as a manor house and landscape park.

The castle houses the famous Reliquary of St. Maurus, a Romanesque masterpiece from the early 13th century rediscovered hidden on-site in 1985. Over centuries, it served as a noble residence, a military site, and later a school before extensive restoration started in the late 20th century. Today, it is open to visitors for tours that highlight its rich history, artistic interiors, and the reliquary, making it a significant cultural and architectural landmark in the Karlovy Vary region.